Oleksandr Usyk’s manager, Sergey Lapin, says a future fight against David Benavidez is a possibility that would generate major interest from boxing fans.
Lapin said that Benavidez as speculation continues about the unbeaten light heavyweight champion eventually moving to heavyweight.
‼️ @usykaa‘s manager Sergey Lapin tells us @Benavidez300 is an “interesting option” for him: “It could be a very interesting fight and definitely one that would attract a lot of attention from fans worldwide… It’s definitely an interesting option for Oleksandr.” pic.twitter.com/fy4uGWNXbP
— Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) May 7, 2026
The comments surfaced the same day reports circulated that negotiations for a light heavyweight unification between Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol were running into financial issues.
Benavidez has already spoken publicly about eventually testing himself at heavyweight, but Usyk’s immediate future appears focused elsewhere.
The unified heavyweight champion previously outlined a three-fight plan before retirement that included:
Rico Verhoeven
the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois
and a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury
That makes a Benavidez fight more speculative than immediate at this stage, especially with Usyk approaching 40 and seemingly operating on a limited timetable before retirement.
Lapin’s comments are notable because they publicly acknowledge Benavidez as a serious enough name to enter the conversation around Usyk’s remaining fights.
Whether anything develops may ultimately depend on Saudi interest and whether Turki Alalshikh sees the matchup as a worthwhile event to pursue in the current heavyweight landscape.
Eddy Pronishev has covered professional boxing since 2001, earning recognition for his technical analysis and informed perspective on the sport’s leading fighters, promoters, and events. Known for his clarity and depth, he provides authoritative insight into both in-ring strategy and the business of boxing.
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Tags David Benavidez, OIeksandr Usyk, Sergey Lapin
Boxing • Boxing News • Oleksandr Usyk Manager Calls David Benavidez “Interesting Option”
Last Updated on 2026/05/07 at 4:31 PM